Analytic tensor functions

Abstract

In the previous chapter we discussed isotropic and anisotropic tensor functions and their general representations. Of particular interest in continuum mechanics are isotropic tensor-valued functions of one arbitrary (not necessarily symmetric) tensor. For example, the exponential function of the velocity gradient or other non-symmetric strain rates is very suitable for the formulation of evolution equations in large strain anisotropic plasticity. In this section we focus on a special class of isotropic tensor-valued functions referred here to as analytic tensor functions. In order to specify this class of functions we first deal with the general question how an isotropic tensor-valued function can be defined.